Costco is the largest membership-only retailer in the United States. It is the third largest retailer in the US and ninth largest in the world. Costco was the first company to grow from zero to $3 billion in revenue in less than six years. Costco's unique retailing approach, called the "treasure hunt," leaves some products in low stock to create urgency for customers. Costco charges annual membership fees between $50-100 and prices products only 15% above its wholesale costs to offer customers trusted low prices.

1.  Largest club membership retailer in United
states.
 3rd largest retailer in United States and ninth
largest in World
 1st company to grow from zero to $3 billion in
less than 6 years.
 Ranks 25th in 2010 Fortune 500

7. CEO: James Sinegal
Headquarters: Issaquah, WA
Inception: Seattle, WA 1983
Stock Symbol: COST (NASDAQ)
Founders: James Sinegal & Jefferey
Brotman

8. Unique Retailing Approach: the
“Treasure Hunt.” :
 The retailer always intends for some special products
to run out, which creates urgency for consumers who
must purchase immediately, because the product may
not be available the next time they shop.
 Costco charges its customers an annual fee of $50–100
and buys opportunistically to provide the best deals.
Product pricing runs 15 percent above the store’s
wholesale costs. Even if Costco gets a great deal on
merchandise, it still sticks to this pricing rule so that
customers know that they can trust the retailer to offer
a fair price.

10.  Greater benefits for Costco employees
 Wages: $17/hr on average
 Health Insurance : 90% premium coverage
 Lower price margins